Understanding Lupus: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

What Causes Lupus?

The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of:

• Genetics – A family history of lupus increases the risk.
• Hormonal Factors – Lupus is more common in women, suggesting hormonal involvement.
• Environmental Triggers – Sun exposure, infections, and certain medications can trigger symptoms.
• Immune System Dysfunction – The immune system becomes overactive, attacking normal tissues.

Early Signs of Lupus in Females

Lupus symptoms can vary widely and may develop gradually. The most common early signs include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Fever with no clear cause
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Butterfly-shaped facial rash (malar rash)
• Joint pain and swelling
• Skin sensitivity to sunlight
• Mouth sores or ulcers
• Chest pain and breathing difficulties
• Kidney problems (protein in urine, swelling in legs)
• Memory problems or brain fog
• Unexplained weight loss

Is Lupus Deadly?

Lupus can be mild, moderate, or severe. While many people live long, healthy lives with lupus, severe cases can cause life-threatening complications such as kidney failure (lupus nephritis), heart disease, and lung inflammation. Proper treatment reduces the risk of complications and improves life expectancy.

Diagnosing Lupus: Tests & Exams

Diagnosing lupus is challenging because symptoms can mimic other diseases. Doctors use a combination of medical history, physical exams, and laboratory tests, including:

✅ ANA Test (Antinuclear Antibody Test) – A positive ANA test suggests an autoimmune disorder.

✅ Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Detects anemia and low white blood cell counts.

✅ Urinalysis – Checks for kidney involvement.

✅ Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) – Measures inflammation levels.

✅ Skin or Kidney Biopsy – Confirms organ damage from lupus.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Pathophysiology

SLE is characterized by:

• Immune system overactivation, leading to chronic inflammation.
• Autoantibody production, attacking healthy tissues.
• Organ damage, particularly in the kidneys, heart, and brain.
• Periods of flare-ups and remission, with symptoms worsening and improving over time.

What Should SLE Patients Avoid?

People with lupus should avoid:

• Prolonged sun exposure (Use sunscreen and protective clothing).
• Smoking (Increases inflammation and cardiovascular risk).
• Infections (Weakened immune system makes infections more dangerous).
• Certain medications (Some antibiotics and painkillers can trigger flares).
• Stress and lack of sleep, which can worsen symptoms.

How is Lupus Treated?

There is no cure for lupus, but treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing organ damage. Common approaches include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications – To reduce joint pain and swelling.
• Immunosuppressants – To slow down the immune system.
• Corticosteroids – To manage severe inflammation.
• Biologic Therapy (e.g., Belimumab) – Targets specific immune proteins.
• Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) – Helps prevent lupus flares and organ damage.

Life Expectancy & Outlook for Lupus Patients

With early diagnosis and proper treatment, most lupus patients can live normal, full lives. The average life expectancy is now close to that of the general population, provided that complications are well-managed.